Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to fires on Leila Avenue and Midwinter Avenue.
Leila Avenue fire
At 8:05 p.m. on Monday, March 18, the WFPS responded to an automatic fire alarm in a four-storey condo building in the 1200 block of Leila Avenue.
When crews arrived, they located the fire and found the sprinkler system was activated and knocked down most of the flames. They worked quickly to finish putting the fire out and it was declared under control at 9:09 p.m.
Residents were able to safely shelter in the lobby of the building while crews worked to put the fire out. No injuries were reported.
Damage estimates are not available at this time. Preliminary observations suggest the cause of the fire was accidental and related to lithium-ion batteries.
To avoid a fire caused by lithium-ion batteries, follow these tips:
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- Only use the battery designed for the device, with the charging cord it comes with
- Never charge a device on a bed, couch, or other flammable surface
- Keep batteries at room temperature
- Store batteries far away from anything that can catch fire
Midwinter Avenue fire
At 12:17 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19, the WFPS responded to reports of fire at a one-storey house in the 200 block of Midwinter Avenue.
When crews arrived, they found smoke coming from the structure. They launched an offensive fire attack and quickly extinguished the fire. It was declared under control at 12:30 a.m.
Occupants of the house were able to self-evacuate safely before crews arrived. No injuries were reported.
No damage estimates are available at this time.
The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental, caused by a fan that experienced an electrical malfunction.